NSCDC Arrests 19 Suspected Illegal Miners in Edo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners in Edo State.

The suspects were arrested on August 28 while allegedly carrying out illegal gold mining activities in the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis of Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas.

The Edo State NSCDC Commander, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin.

He said the suspects were allegedly working for two individuals identified as “Area” and Abu Mawain of Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.

Two other suspects reportedly escaped into the forest during the operation.

Items recovered from the site included a pumping machine, five head pans, 13 carpets, six shovels and 15 mobile phones.

Akintayo said the two alleged leaders remain at large, while efforts are ongoing to arrest them.

He added that the arrested suspects would be charged to court after investigations.